Government Action Needed on Workplace Drug Testing

An Employment Court judgement has highlighted the need for urgent Government action to spell out legal rights and responsibilities around drug testing in the workplace, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

After a high-profile case, the Employment Court has decided to allow Air New Zealand to test some of its employees in specific circumstances.

“In its landmark judgement, the court has drawn attention to the need for the law to make clear the rights and responsibilities in this difficult area,” said Ross Wilson, who presented submissions on behalf of the CTU to the court.

“It would also be desirable for the CTU and Business NZ to work with Government to develop a code of best practice for employers and unions.”

The Employment Court emphasised that the decision only applied to the Air New Zealand situation, he said.

“However it is clear from the judgement that some drug and alcohol testing regimes already being carried out in workplaces are unlawful.”

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